Well that’s a heck of a lot better isn’t it? Brent Sutter was an angry coach this morning. He was extremely disappointed by the performance or lack there of from his top 6 forwards.

The top 6 responded. Big Time! Rene Bourque led the charge for the Flames netting 3 goals and an assist and in all honestly could have had five himself. The captain bounced back with three helpers and a fight. And Olli Jokinen responded to his third period benching last night with his best game of the year chipping in with two assists.

The biggest news on the defense was newly acquired Brendan Mikkelson drew into the lineup in place of Steve Staios and looked sharp being paired up with Cory Sarich with 12 minutes of ice time. Ian White also had his best game of the year firing his first goal of the season past Blue Jackets netminder Steve Mason. Jay Bouwmeester picked up his first point of the season, and Robyn Regher had his first multi-point game since 2007.

Henrik Karlsson got the start for the first time in his NHL career and looked good. You can tell the Flames had a bit more confidence in the big Swede than they have had in front of a few past backup goaltenders to don the flaming C. Henrik only made on bad mistake on the first goal against coughing up a huge rebound and having Derek Dorsett blow it by him. All in all the coaching staff has to feel good about this overall performance by the Calgary Flames.

I have to make mention of the crowd in Columbus tonight. A lot of them came dressed as empty seats, though the fans that were in the building tonight were good and loud especially for a half empty building! Good on the fans that did show up to see their team play.

Calgary ended their three game road trip with a 2-1 record and I think you will take that anytime you can get it. The Flames now come back home to entertain the San Jose Sharks Sunday night at the Saddledome to kick off a five game home stand. If the top 6 can come out and play with that level of energy and skill every night then this is a team that can compete on the Western Conference.